Chapter 1: The Hero's Journey
Campbell introduces the monomyth, the universal pattern of the hero's journey. The hero leaves home, faces challenges, and returns transformed.
Example: Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Leaves Tatooine, faces trials on Dagobah, and returns as a Jedi Knight.
Chapter 2: The Call to Adventure
The hero receives a call to adventure, summoning them to leave their ordinary life.
Example: Harry Potter receiving the letter to Hogwarts.
Chapter 3: The Refusal of the Call
The hero initially resists the call, fearing the unknown.
Example: Neo in The Matrix, who initially refuses the red pill that would reveal the truth.
Chapter 4: The Mentor
A wise mentor guides the hero on their journey.
Example: Obi-Wan Kenobi for Luke Skywalker.
Chapter 5: Threshold Guardians
The hero encounters obstacles and tests as they cross the threshold into the unknown.
Example: The giant spiders that Frodo and Sam face in The Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 6: The Belly of the Whale
The hero descends into a realm of darkness and despair.
Example: Jonah being swallowed by the whale.
Chapter 7: The Road of Trials
The hero faces numerous challenges and temptations.
Example: Bilbo Baggins' journey through Mirkwood in The Hobbit.
Chapter 8: The Meeting with the Goddess
The hero encounters a divine feminine figure who offers guidance and support.
Example: Elizabeth Bennet meeting Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.
Chapter 9: The Woman as Temptress
The hero faces temptations and distractions that threaten to derail their journey.
Example: Odysseus encountering the Sirens in The Odyssey.
Chapter 10: Atonement with the Father
The hero confronts and reconciles with a father figure.
Example: Simba confronting Scar in The Lion King.
Chapter 11: Apotheosis
The hero reaches the peak of their journey, achieving enlightenment or a transformation.
Example: Neo realizing his true potential as The One in The Matrix.
Chapter 12: The Ultimate Boon
The hero acquires the goal of their journey, a treasure or realization.
Example: Harry Potter defeating Voldemort.
Chapter 13: The Refusal of the Return
The hero initially hesitates to return to their ordinary life.
Example: Bilbo reluctantly leaving the Shire after his adventure.
Chapter 14: The Magic Flight
The hero escapes from the realm of adventure and returns to the ordinary world.
Example: Katniss Everdeen returning to District 12 after the Hunger Games.
Chapter 15: The Crossing of the Return Threshold
The hero re-enters their ordinary life, but as a transformed individual.
Example: Odysseus returning to Ithaca as a wise and experienced hero.
Chapter 16: Master of Two Worlds
The hero integrates their experiences and wisdom into their ordinary life.
Example: Atticus Finch balancing his legal practice with his commitment to justice in To Kill a Mockingbird.